Mother sentenced to 10 years for neglect causing death of 76-day-old daughter... Both mother and prosecution appeal

Both the prosecution and the biological mother appealed after the mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing the death of her 76-day-old daughter due to malnutrition from neglect.

According to the legal community on the 26th, the prosecution, which had previously sought an 18-year sentence, filed an appeal citing the original court's sentencing as inappropriate regarding the biological mother A's charge of child abuse resulting in death.

The prosecution stated, "Biological mother A starved and neglected the child, leading to her death, making the criminal act severe," and added, "However, since she denies the crime and shows no remorse, we intend to correct this in the appellate court," explaining the reason for the appeal.

A also filed an appeal with the court on the same day, dissatisfied with the sentencing outcome.

Changwon District Court, Gyeongnam.
Photo by Se-ryeong Lee

A was indicted on charges of leaving B, who showed signs of health problems such as vomiting formula milk for several days, unattended at their residence in Palyong-dong, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, without taking her to a hospital, resulting in her death at 76 days old.

According to the autopsy, B was found to have died from sepsis caused by malnutrition, and her birth had not been registered.

At birth in 2022, her weight was 2.69 kg, but at the time of death on March 27 last year, it was reported to be only about 2.48 kg.

A never took B to a hospital for fear that her parents would find out about the birth and was found to have left the house for most of the day, leaving B alone.

During the trial, claims were made regarding COVID-19 infection and sudden infant death syndrome, but the court did not accept A's side's arguments based on the autopsy results.

The first trial court stated, "B was neglected without ever receiving treatment after birth and ended her life in two months due to malnutrition," and ruled, "A had experience raising a first child and was fully aware that B's health was poor, yet failed to properly manage and protect B, leading to her death. This is a serious crime and deserves condemnation."